Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase the compensation payable to those victims of the Post Office Horizon errors who initially agreed to a smaller amount than might now be payable due to financial pressures arising from their wrongful convictions.

Previously convicted postmasters can accept a £600,000 fixed-sum settlement or opt for a detailed assessment if they wish to claim more. All eligible applicants will receive a preliminary payment of £200,000 while making this decision, to help with any immediate financial pressures.

We recognise the fixed sum may not suit everyone’s circumstances, which is why we fund legal advice and disclosure to help assess whether this is the right option. There is no time limit to make a decision.

Claimants can instead opt to submit a full claim We also fund legal advice to help prepare these claims and if a claimant disagrees with their offer, their case can be referred to an Independent Panel for consideration.